awful awful narration

Seriously what were they thinking? The voice sounds like an insincere American Youth Pastor asking you if, like, everything is all right at home l'il buddy?. It's manifestly unsuitable for this ferocious story about crazy Europeans and derring do in the Antarctic. I have no idea how they thought this would work- but it really really doesn't. It's a shame- it's a great story, but I will have to read it on paper now and I was really looking forward to it accompanying me on my dog walks. Honestly, I have rarely heard a worse mismatch between subject and reader.

15 people found this helpful

A true adventure story

This is an incredible story, as exciting and gripping as any fictional adventure story. The story of the Belgian Antartic Expedition encompasses breathtaking incompetence, amazing heroism, appalling hardship and larger than life characters - including some well known in the history of polar exploration. I cannot understand why the story isn't better known. It would make an amazing film. Only two quibbles. The first is that the narrator has a very idiosyncratic way of pronouncing certain proper names and place names, which grated and confused me a little. The second is the lack of maps and illustrations. This is of course always a problem with audio books, but some do come with pdfs with this information. I assume that the print edition of the book has maps and I would have found these really helpful to understand the route of the Belgica

3 people found this helpful

Want to listen again!

I heard about this book by accident and did a quick check on Goodreads to get a synopsis.
When I heard it's Antarctic theme, I purchased straight away.
3 days and finished, didnt want it to end.
The author makes a story of real life derring do into an unputdownable thriller like roller coaster ride.
I loved it, and would heartily recommend to anyone with an interest in Antarctic/Marine exploration, but also a brilliant study of the big personalities of the crew of the eponymous Belgica, their back stories and more.
Wonderful!

3 people found this helpful

Just brilliant

An astonishing story that I had never come across before, and a wonderful redemption of a man (Frederick Cook) whose actions on the Belgica were visionary but whose reputation was subsequently trashed. Beautifully researched and grippingly told. Not convinced this was the right choice of narrator: he reads very nicely but (for want or a better expression) I could have done with a more “muscular” read, or perhaps I just expect tales of derring do to be told in a plummy British accent. Anyhow - that’s a small quibble. I just loved this and heartily recommend it.

2 people found this helpful

Fascinating

An excellent listen. Very well written and very well narrated. I recommend it without reservation.

2 people found this helpful

Not a bad listen

Well-read by the narrator and not a bad book. However, I have read/listened to better ones of a similar ilk e.g. the books about Shackleton, Scott and the Erebus journeys were, for me, more engaging.

2 people found this helpful

amazing book, great narrator

such a gripping tale, like a great thriller. it keeps you at the edge of your seat with suspans. great interpretation also.

A decent read

I have noted that there are some criticisms about the narrator, but to be honest with you, you do get used to him. The story is a fascinating read, with adventure all the way through. Seldom does it become boring. Well worth it.

Fascinating Antarctic adventure…

I really loved this book - a great, well-researched and insightful account of the journey of the Belgica. Informative and a gripping story, would wholeheartedly recommend, thank-you 👍

Immersive

Really good listen, fully invested in all the characters even though there isn't a main character